Fighting for the future

Muhammad Ali Fights in Vegas

HE’S BEEN CALLED THE GREATEST: Muhammad Ali, nee Cassius Clay was one Hell of a boxer. He fought in the ring and was excoriated outside the ring especially in during his early career. The brash young man had the audacity to have an in-you-face, arrogant style that he backed up with victories wrapped in poetic predictions. He was an amazing boxer and has since become an icon. Last night he came to Las Vegas to fight for the eighth time. But this time the fight was against crippling, vicious, debilitating opponents.

A BIT OF HISTORY: Las Vegas is a relatively young town. When my wife’s family arrived here from Illinois the population was less than the number of fans who can be seated in a college football arena. Services of many types were limited so when one of her classmate’s father began to show signs of Alzheimer’s the family took him out of state for treatment. The father passed away from the disease and the son vowed to provide a research center to attend victims and their caregivers. Thus the Lou Ruvo Center for Brain Health was conceived.

LARRY RUVO’S MISSION: Larry Ruvo, the Las Vegas High School alum and son of Lou Ruvo, was not sure what to do to help those in need of attention so he gathered a group of local Las Vegas business leaders and passed the hat. He then phoned the National Alzheimer’s Association and asked how the funds could best utilized. They suggested that he provide a means locally that could attend patients of the disease. Larry found land, convinced Frank Gehry, one of the world’s premier architects to design a building, and began construction in 2006. Patients were seen beginning in 2009 and was expanded to address various neurological diseases. He partnered with the world-renowned Cleveland Clinic and the result is the Cleveland Clinic Lou Ruvo Center for Brain Health. Located in downtown Las Vegas on what used to be the railroad yards the Center provides treatment and research for suffers of neurodegenerative and neuromuscular illnesses.

The Center has drawn giants in the field and has begun research on the effects of boxing and other brain injury events on the brain. They are working on the development of a mouthpiece that will record the severity of blows to the head and transmit the data instantly. Larry Ruvo has raised funds to get the Center to the place it currently is, but maintenance of the facility is expensive. To help supplement the funding he holds an annual fundraiser called Power of Love Gala. Stars locally and from around the world pitch in and help with the fundraising. This year, on the occasion of the 70th birthday of Muhammad Ali, whose physical prowess has been ravished by Parkinson’s disease, The Power of Love Gala included a celebration of Ali’s 70th birthday. The event at the MGM Grand Garden Arena was a benefit for Keep Memory Alive, the fundraising arm of the Clinic as well as the Muhammad Ali Center, a cultural and educational complex in Louisville. ABC will broadcast the event at 2:00 pm on February 25 and ESPN2 will rebroadcast it later that evening.

The Cleveland Clinic Lou Ruvo Center in Las Vegas treats illnesses such as the one that has virtually silenced the Champ, once known as “The Louisville Lip” for his quips, providing care for patients with dementia, Parkinson’s disease, Alzheimer’s disease, Huntington’s Disease, and Lou Gherig’s disease (multiple sclerosis).

In addition to Mr. Ali and his wife, other celebrity guests included Larry King, Stevie Wonder, Samuel . Jackson, Snoop Dog, Cee Lo Green, Jim Brown, Anthony Hopkins, Thomas Hearns, Sugar Ray Leonard, Evander Holyfield, Ken Norton, Roberto Duran, Earnie Shavers, Leon Spinks, Ray “Boob-Boom” Mancini, and Lenny Kravitz. Other attendees included David Beckham, Ken Jeong, Siegfried and Roy, Andre Agassi and Steffie Graf, Dave Koz, James Gandolfi. Robin Leach was the MC.

WORLDWIDE AND LOCAL: Cleveland Clinic is known worldwide and has locations in three states and the Middle East. The Center in Las Vegas estimates that 80% of the 4,500 patients treated to date were Las Vegas locals. The Ruvo Center is conducting more Alzheimer’s clinical trials than any other institution in the country. Such research is crucial as one in eight people beyond age 65 will develop Alzheimer’s and one in two over age 85 will be so afflicted.

A history and photos of the Center can be found on Wikipedia at: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lou_Ruvo_Center_for_Brain_Health

A little blogging music Maestro… Crystal Method – “Keep Hope Alive.”

Dr. Forgot
http://drforgot.com
email: drforgot@cox.net

Baby Its Cold Outside

Paralysis of Analysis

Don’t let your heart be snowbound: Yes, Las Vegas is in the Mohave Desert. Yes, the desert is hot and dry. Yes, the average precipitation in Las Vegas is about 2.75” annually, but when it rains, “gully washers” start high in the foothills on the west side of town and cascade down onto the Strip a little more than 300 feet below, then down to Henderson, another 300 feet or so, and finally into Lake Mead. The County has spent millions of dollars to tame the flooding with catch basins strategically placed throughout the Las Vegas Valley and for the most part it works pretty well. No longer do cars float in the Strip Hotel Casino parking lots, and those lucky enough to be visiting during a desert rainstorm are no longer treated to Mother Nature’s fury. But the snow… well, that’s another story.

Oh the weather outside was frightful: Earlier this week a storm blew down from Alaska and Canada and through the desert. This happens every 5-8 years or so and the Las Vegas valley sees a sprinkling of show but not very often and not for very long. But records are made to be broken, right? The 3.6 inches that fell on Vegas last Wednesday was the heaviest snowfall in recorded history. That is not a misprint 3.6 inches was a record. McCarran International airport was shut down tighter than the lid on a pickle jar, and I-15 northbound to Utah and southbound to California was shut down. U.S. 95 north toward Reno and south toward Boulder City and Arizona was shut down. The city came to a grinding halt. Thousands of airline passengers were stranded. Of course, there are worse places to be stranded than Las Vegas, unless of course, you gambled all your money and had your airline ticket pinned to the inside of your underwear. Nobody was Leaving Las Vegas.”

The fountain of knowledge was turned off: Nevada, like most other states is experiencing an economic slowdown. Two rural schools had meetings planned to see if they would be eliminated forever. One, on Mount Charleston, was set to have a town meeting Wednesday to discuss its future but the meeting was snowed out. So were Christmas concerts, plays, and other school activities were all canceled. School administrators got their heads together and fortunately didn’t hurt themselves, but decided to close the schools Thursday. Let me repeat, 3.6” of snow. Of course, as luck would have it, Thursday was bright and sunny and teachers and students had the day off but without an opportunity to play in the departed, melted snow.

Are there bargains in Vegas?: The MGM seems to think so.


MGM GRAND AND THE SIGNATURE AT MGM GRAND MAKE ESCAPING EASY
WITH MASTERCARD® WORLDWIDE

Book Stay with MasterCard Card and Receive 30 Percent off Dinners, Shows and Spa Services!

This winter, Las Vegas visitors can indulge in a luxury getaway without busting their budget. MGM Grand, a AAA Four Diamond hotel, and The Signature at MGM Grand, a non-smoking, non-gaming luxury resort, are partnering with MasterCard Worldwide to offer a valuable experience and savings to cardholders and guests. Now through January 30, 2009, guests are invited to enjoy great hotel rates paired with incredible discounts on dining, entertainment, select retail and spa purchases when charged to the room. Whether relaxing or indulging, this limited time offer allows visitors to save while splurging. Offering the best of both worlds, The Signature at MGM Grand provides a peaceful retreat, just moments from the “Maximum Vegas” excitement of MGM Grand.

HOW IT WORKS: Book a suite, from $129 per night, at The Signature at MGM Grand or a room at MGM Grand, from $89 per night, with a valid MasterCard card. Receive 30 percent off bars, restaurants, select retail outlets, shows and spa services when you charge to your room and pay with your MasterCard card.*

MGM Grand offerings that can be charged to the hotel bill include:
 Award-winning dining featuring the culinary creations of some of the finest chefs such as Tom Colicchio, Michael Mina, Wolfgang Puck and the world’s most starred chef Joël Robuchon
 World-class entertainment including Cirque du Soleil’s KÀ, a renowned production combining acrobatic performances, martial arts, puppetry, multimedia and pyrotechnics to bring the epic saga of separated twins to life; and MGM Grand’s Crazy Horse Paris, celebrating the artistry of the nude
 MGM Grand Spa’s pampering treatments for the mind, body and soul

HOW TO BOOK: Call 1-800-929-1111 and use booking code “SIG007” for The Signature at MGM Grand.

*Must book and pay with a valid MasterCard card. Book by January 30, 2009 and actualize by January 30, 2009. The 30 percent discount excludes room and tax. Guests will charge items to their rooms and the 30 percent discount will be applied upon check-out. Discount may be applied to dining, entertainment and spa. Please inquire for specific rules and regulations. Rates and availability vary.

MEDIA CONTACT:
Kate Evans/Joan Bloom, M Booth & Associates
(212) 481-7000
katee@mbooth.com or joanbl@mbooth.com

About The Signature at MGM Grand: For a gratifying getaway, look no further than The Signature at MGM Grand, ideally situated away from the hustle and bustle of the Las Vegas Strip. Ranging from 550 to 1,500 square feet, suites feature king-size, pillow-top beds draped in 300-thread count sheets and soft, down comforters; bathrooms stocked with plush towels, cozy robes and June Jacobs’ spa products; and in-suite kitchens featuring top-of-the-line appliances and cabinets filled with bone china, glass stemware, sterling silverware and a selection of cookware. Guests also enjoy The Signature’s private pool complex, state-of-the-art fitness centers and superior concierge staff readily available to customize a dream vacation. While staying at The Signature’s non-smoking, non-gaming environment, guests are only steps away from the excitement of MGM Grand’s electrifying casino, award-winning dining, world-class entertainment, dynamic nightlife and luxurious spa and salon.

A little blogging music Maestro… One more time with Elvis doing, “Viva Las Vegas.”

Dr. Forgot

Vegas Weekend Update

Vegas Weekend Update

What happens in Las Vegas…

TIGER SHARKS NOW LURK AT MANDALAY BAY: Species Ranked Second Deadliest to Great White Shark. Two female tiger sharks now rule the waters of Shark Reef Aquarium at Mandalay Bay. The only tiger sharks available for viewing in the U.S., these exciting new additions can be identified by their distinct tiger-striped markings in the 1.6-million-gallon aquarium. Attributing to the tiger sharks’ impressive reputation are their sharp, serrated teeth, powerful jaw and insatiable, non-discriminating appetite. These sharks have been known to consume unusual items such as license plates, tires, baseballs and other debris – earning them the moniker “garbage cans of the sea.” Currently, Shark Reef’s two tiger sharks are more than six feet in length, and the species can reach up to 14 feet in length. The scavengers lurk in shallow, coastal waters in tropical and temperate regions such as Hawaii and Australia.For more information, visit www.mandalaybay.com, www.sharkreef.com or call (702) 632-4555.

Encore at Wynn Las Vegas to Open in December
Encore, the new signature resort in the Wynn collection, is located next door to flagship property Wynn Las Vegas. Encore, set to open in December, is a distinct resort destination with its own repertoire of accommodations, culinary offerings and leisure activities including 11 retail outlets, seven cozy bars and lounges, five restaurants, one ultra-chic nightclub and an opulent spa and salon. The Encore experience includes a landscape of foliage and shimmering pools of water. Butterflies, vibrant carpets, mosaic tiles and textured walls draw you into juxtaposition between indoors and out. For more information, contact Jennifer Dunne, Wynn Las Vegas, jennifer.dunne@wynnlasvegas.com.

Michelin Selects 2009 Restaurant and Hotel Selections for Las Vegas
The world’s most discriminating restaurant and lodging guidebook – the prestigious, 107-year-old Michelin Guide from France – recently released its 2009 edition to showcase Las Vegas’ offerings. The Michelin Guide Las Vegas 2009 features 140 restaurants and 32 hotels. Among Las Vegas restaurants receiving coveted starred ratings: Joël Robuchon at MGM Grand (three stars – the guidebook’s top rating); Picasso at Bellagio, Guy Savoy at Caesars Palace and Alex at Wynn Las Vegas (two stars); and Alizé at the Palms, André’s Downtown, Aureole at Mandalay Bay, Bradley Ogden at Caesars Palace, Daniel Boulud Brasserie at Wynn Las Vegas, DJT at Trump International, L’Atelier de Joël Robuchon at MGM Grand, Le Cirque at Bellagio, Michael Mina at Bellagio, miX at Mandalay Bay, Nobu at Hard Rock Hotel & Casino, Restaurant Charlie at Palazzo and Wing Lei at Wynn Las Vegas (one star). One star means a very good restaurant in its category. Two stars mean excellent cooking, worth a detour. Three stars mean exceptional cuisine, worth a special journey. For more information, contact Ceci De La Montanya, Allison & Partners, ceci@allisonpr.com.

AAA Announces 2009 Five Diamond Award Recipients
AAA recently announced the hotels and restaurants that achieved Five Diamond status, the travel authority’s highest rating. For 2009, Las Vegas AAA Five Diamond-rated hotels include Bellagio (eighth consecutive year), Four Seasons Las Vegas (tenth consecutive year), Skylofts at MGM Grand (third consecutive year), Wynn Las Vegas (third consecutive year) and The Venetian Resort-Hotel-Casino (second consecutive year). Las Vegas AAA Five Diamond-rated restaurants include Alex at Wynn Las Vegas (fourth consecutive year), Joël Robuchon at MGM Grand (third consecutive year), Le Cirque at Bellagio (sixth consecutive year), Picasso at Bellagio (eighth consecutive year) and first-time winner Restaurant Guy Savoy at Caesars Palace. AAA rates nearly 60,000 restaurants and lodgings each year throughout all 50 states, Canada, Mexico and the Caribbean, providing the broadest coverage of any U.S. rating system, both geographically and by number of properties rated. Of those, only 103 resorts and 59 restaurants earned the highly coveted AAA Five Diamond rating for 2009. For more information, contact Heather Hunter, AAA, hhunter@national.aaa.com.

Las Vegas Art Museum Presents L.A. Now
The Las Vegas Art Museum is pleased to present L.A. Now, curated by David Pagel. The exhibit displays 20 emerging and established artists who are currently living and working in Los Angeles. The artists work in a wide variety of styles and media; each has gained national or international recognition for artistic achievement. Mr. Pagel is an art critic for the LA Times and a professor at Claremont Graduate School. The exhibition opens for regular viewing on Dec. 12, and remains on view through March 8, 2009. For more information, contact Anne Kellogg, Las Vegas Art Museum, akellogg@lasvegasartmuseum.org.

NOBHILL TAVERN (Formerly NOBHILL) Debuts at MGM Grand
NOBHILL TAVERN by Michael Mina infuses a new concept into the
ever-evolving Las Vegas dining transformation. Tavern cuisine, an innovative drink menu that pays homage to classic cocktails, and an expansive lounge area where guests can relax while listening to a music selection of popular songs from a variety of genres make up the NOBHILL TAVERN experience. The menu affords guests the opportunity to enjoy Michael Mina’s signature trio concept. For more information, contact Michael McKiski, MGM MIRAGE, at mmckiski@mgmmirage.com.

Pianist Philip Fortenberry of “Jersey Boys” Debuts “Liberace and Me”
Philip Fortenberry, a solo pianist, improvisational composer and cast member of “Jersey Boys,” has debuted his new acoustic cabaret-style piano performance “Liberace and Me” for a six-month limited engagement through March 23 at the Liberace Museum. As a tribute to the legacy of Liberace, the 45-minute, afternoon show features original compositions, selections from the classic repertoire and Broadway music in the 75-seat Cabaret Showroom. For more information, contact Shelley Mansholt, Mansholt PR, at Shelley@mansholtpr.com.

Bar Louie Opens at Town Square
Bar Louie, a casual neighborhood restaurant and bar, has opened a location at Town Square. The popular Chicago-based chain is known for its signature sandwiches, uniquely prepared appetizers, inventive pizzas and specialty cocktails. The 6,500-square-foot space seats more than 200 and features design elements characteristic of all Bar Louie locations. The venue, which is the 49th in the nation, is open for lunch, dinner and late-night dining. For more information, contact Amy Weisenburger, Bar Louie America, at amyw@restaurants-america.com.

The Holidays Arrive at Bellagio Conservatory & Botanical Gardens
Bellagio’s Conservatory & Botanical Gardens will welcome winter with a holiday display rich in nostalgia. The display will feature flying reindeer made of whole pecans, a charming snowman family created with white carnations and an oversized wreath adorned with pine cones and a golden bow. The centerpiece is a 32-foot Shasta Fir tree featuring more than 12,000 holiday lights. The holiday display is available for guests to enjoy December 7, 2008 through January 3, 2009. For more information, contact Rebecca Ingram Frisch, MGM MIRAGE, at ringram@mgmmirage.com.

Wrangler National Finals Rodeo Celebrates 50 Years with Big-Name Entertainment
The Wrangler National Finals Rodeo (NFR), considered the world’s premier rodeo, features 10 straight days of the best in rodeo competition, with a total of 120 contestants competing every night in seven events. Each December, the top 15 contestants, based on the 2008 Crusher Rentals PRCA World Standings, in bareback riding, steer wrestling, team roping, saddle bronc riding, tie-down roping, barrel racing, and bull riding qualify to compete at the Wrangler NFR. Some of the biggest names in country music will take the stage at Thomas & Mack Center Dec. 4-13 each day to open the event. Entertainers include Trailer Choir, Jake Owen, Reba McEntire, Brooks & Dunn, Crystal Shawanda, Red Steagall, Ronnie Milsap, Charlie Daniels, Jewel, Jack Ingram and Matt Lewis as Elvis. For more information, contact Michael Mack, Las Vegas Events, michael@lasvegasevents.com.

Ethel M Chocolates Creates Its Annual Chocolate Wonderland
Located adjacent to its Henderson factory, Ethel M Chocolates has transformed its three-acre Botanical Cactus Garden into a Chocolate Wonderland complete with thousands of sparkling lights, opportunities to visit Santa, and appearances by local choirs. Visitors can wander down the garden’s illuminated cacti pathways and enjoy the sights, smells and sounds from 5 p.m. to 10 p.m., seven days a week excluding Christmas Day. The attraction is free of charge and open to the public through Jan. 1, 2009. For more information, contact Katie Knoch, SK+G, katie.knoch@skgadv.com.

The Springs Preserve Presents Its Second Annual Winter Lights Festival
The Springs Preserve proudly presents its second annual Winter Lights Festival. The lights display in the eight-acre garden and throughout the Preserve is created from half a million LED lights illuminated by solar power, a leading example of a sustainable holiday celebration. Guests enjoy entertainment from roaming performance groups, carriage rides, visits with Santa Claus and Theater Las Vegas’ original puppet show “Dickens Done Over.” Holiday inspired treats and green gift options are available throughout the Preserve. The festival runs 5 p.m. to 9 p.m. Friday through Sunday through Dec. 21, and 5 p.m. to 9 p.m. daily from Dec. 22-24 and Dec. 26. For more information, please Dawn Barraclough, Springs Preserve, dawn.barraclough@springspreserve.org.

Las Vegas Monorail to Operate on New Year’s Eve with Special Fare
With approximately 300,000 revelers descending upon the Strip on New Year’s Eve, the Las Vegas Monorail will continue to operate even when the Strip closes to vehicles and buses – providing a convenient transportation option for visitors looking to get to the city’s hottest spots safely, quickly and efficiently. The Monorail will be open from 7 a.m. Dec. 31 to 3 a.m. Jan. 1 to transport people throughout the night. The Las Vegas Monorail Company will offer an Unlimited Ride Day Pass for $12. For more information, contact Kristen Hansen, Las Vegas Monorail, kristen@lvmonorail.com.

America’s Party to Bring Fireworks Closer to the Las Vegas Strip
Las Vegas Events and the Las Vegas Convention and Visitors Authority (LVCVA) will once again partner with Fireworks by Grucci for its annual midnight fireworks display to be launched from nine locations along the Strip. Las Vegas’ famed Fremont Street Experience will host a New Year’s Eve celebration called “TributePalooza.” The world’s best tribute bands will perform 14 hours of live music from 6 p.m. until 1 a.m. on two stages, and will include tribute bands such as Billy Joel, Eagles, David Bowie, KISS, The Rolling Stones, U2, Queen and Aerosmith. The five blocks of the Fremont Street Experience, home to 10 legendary casinos, will be transformed into the biggest private party in town. For more information, contact Michael Mack, Las Vegas Events, michael@lasvegasevents.com.

JW Marriott Las Vegas Celebrates New Year’s Eve
JW Marriott Las Vegas Resort & Spa will offer two great ways to ring in the New Year. J. C. Wolloughan’s Irish Pub will offer an all-inclusive, three-course dinner complete with party favors and a champagne toast. The culinary team at Ceres has prepared a four-course dinner menu and champagne reception. Join in the countdown with entertainment provided by DJ Kayle Stevens. For more information, contact Lisa Roughley, Roughley Speaking PR, at lisa@roughleyspeakingpr.com.

The Ritz-Carlton Lake Las Vegas Offers Ways to Ring in the New Year
The Ritz-Carlton Lake Las Vegas will offer a four- and five-course gourmet dinner menus at Medici Café & Terrace complemented by party favors, champagne, dancing and live entertainment. Or, guests can join the party in the Firenze Lobby Lounge for dancing, a selection of fine libations and light dining fare. For more information, contact Bonnie Crail, Crail Communications, at bcrail@crailcommunications.com.

BELLAGIO PRESENTS ‘CLASSIC CONTEMPORARY: LICHTENSTEIN, WARHOL & FRIENDS’ New Exhibition in Partnership with Museum of Contemporary Art San Diego Debuts January 23, 2009. Bellagio Gallery of Fine Art (BGFA) is pleased to announce the debut of “Classic Contemporary: Lichtenstein, Warhol & Friends. Organized in partnership with the Museum of Contemporary Art San Diego (MCASD), the exhibition will feature important paintings and sculpture by major contemporary artists with a focus on the 1960s and ’70s. The exhibit will include many of the major works in MCASD’s collection, primarily large-scale paintings along with sculpture and works on paper. The iconic artists to be featured were the leaders of their generation – Roy Lichtenstein, Andy Warhol, Frank Stella, Ellsworth Kelly, Sol LeWitt and Ed Ruscha, among others. Their innovative use of material and imagery was at the forefront of Pop Art and Minimalism worldwide. See www.bellagio.com or www.ticketweb.com.

A little blogging music Maestro… “Viva Las Vegas” sung by Elvis.

Dr. Forgot

http://drforgot.com

Read me also at http://vegasnews.squarespace.com/dr-forgot-andrew-r-nixon/

Vegas Weekend Update

Election is over, Back to Unreality
Las Vegas Happenings

Aliante Station Celebrates Grand Opening Tuesday: Station Casinos’ newest property, Aliante Station, will open Nov. 11 in North Las Vegas. The $675 million Aliante Station will offer 202 hotel guest rooms and suites; six restaurants and a food court; 14,000 square feet of meeting, banquet and convention space; Regal Cinemas’ 16-screen movie theatre; Access Showroom, a 600-plus-seat entertainment concert venue and an array of popular gaming choices including traditional table games, a poker room, state-of-the-art race and sports book and slot machines. Aliante Station will represent Station Casinos’ 11th hotel-casino and its 18th property in Southern Nevada. For more information, contact Lori Nelson, Station Casinos, at lori.nelson@stationcasinos.com.

Caesars Palace Tops Off $1 Billion Expansion: Caesars Palace topped off its new 23-story, Octavius Tower as part of a $1 billion expansion. The resort’s sixth tower will add 665 hotel rooms to the property and will be located next to a new 263,000 square foot meeting and convention center and three new pools. The expansion is slated for completion in mid-2009. For more information, contact Debbie Munch, Caesars Palace, at munchd@harrahs.com.

CityCenter Tops Out Mandarin Oriental: CityCenter celebrated the topping out of its third high-rise tower Mandarin Oriental Las Vegas. The 47-story tower is part of MGM MIRAGE’s CityCenter project, a more than $9 billion urban metropolis set to open late 2009. Designed by Kohn Pedersen Fox Associates, The Residences at Mandarin Oriental, Las Vegas are comprised of approximately 227 luxury condominiums situated on the upper floors of the 400-room hotel tower. Met with strong demand, Mandarin Oriental has sold 93 percent of its residential units, generating $656 million in sales. For more information, contact Natalie Mounier, Kirvin Doak, at nmounier@kirvindoak.com.

Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Celebrates Expansion Milestone: As part of its $850 million expansion project, the Hard Rock Hotel & Casino topped off its new North Tower slated for completion in September 2009. The 17-story building will feature 479 guest rooms, state-of-the-art meeting space, 10 luxurious pool suites and a 3,400 square foot penthouse. For more information, contact Cherryl Kaopua, Kirvin Doak, at ckaopua@kirvindoak.com.

The Smith Center for the Performing Arts Announces New Development Plans: The Smith Center for the Performing Arts has announced new development plans for the world-class performing arts center to be built Downtown. Citing recommendations from design architect David M. Schwarz, the exterior of the Smith Center will now be built using Indiana Limestone instead of rose met quartzite. In addition, the 650-seat small hall previously envisioned for the campus has been removed from the building program. Plans for the cultural center now include a total of three theaters. The 2,050-seat main hall will be home for the Las Vegas Philharmonic and touring Broadway shows, in addition to housing the Nevada Ballet. A smaller, 300-seat theater will have a stage facing Symphony Park and host jazz, cabaret and other performances. The third theater will be a 200-seat flexible studio used for rehearsals, children’s theater and local community events. Groundbreaking for The Smith Center for the Performing Arts is slated for early 2009. For more information, please contact Morgan Kise, Kirvin Doak, at mkise@kirvindoak.com.

Harrah’s Las Vegas Unveils Modern “M” Suites: Harrah’s Las Vegas recently introduced the new “M” suite product featuring sophisticated design and an array of high-tech accessories. The focal point of the bedroom is the dramatic headboard featuring a bold white frame with a chocolate brown patent leather center, set against a deep brown wall with vivid red velvet striping. Convenience and technology meet in the “M” suites with digital amenities including a top-of-the-line Denon sound system with MP3 player docking station and CD/ DVD player, sleek Bang & Olufsen telephones and wireless internet connection. Rooms also are equipped with 42” flat-panel, HD television sets and built-in screens in the bathroom mirrors. The 33 new “M” suites are located in the Mardi Gras tower and complement the property’s other recently renovated standard guest rooms and suites. For more information, contact Jamie Nielsen, Harrah’s Entertainment, at jnielsen@harrahs.com.

ELEVEN Spa to Open at Town Square: ELEVEN, South Florida’s top spa escape, has announced that it will open a 20,000 square-foot sister location on the Las Vegas Strip before the end of the year. ELEVEN Vegas will be located in Town Square, the 1.5 million-square-foot regional lifestyle center with more than 100 shops, 12 restaurants and several entertainment venues. The spa will open in early December. The ELEVEN brand includes spas, signature skincare and makeup lines, a clothing boutique and more. ELEVEN Vegas will offer features such as a pool area with crystal chandeliers dripping into the water, a large specialty hair salon, 30 treatment rooms, 11 makeup stations, a signature brow bar and its very own helipad. For more information, contact Danika Daly, Shamin Abas PR, at danika@shaminabaspr.com.

Disney’s The Lion King to Open at Mandalay Bay: Disney Theatrical Productions and Mandalay Bay have announced the award-winning Broadway phenomenon THE LION KING coming to the Mandalay Bay Theatre May 2, 2009, with preview performances beginning April 20, 2009. This production will join the six other highly successful companies of THE LION KING around the world in New York, London, Hamburg, Paris, Tokyo and Fukuoka. Mandalay Bay’s production of THE LION KING will be virtually identical to the other companies seen around the globe and will be staged with all of the same spectacular music, sets, and costumes that have made it a worldwide phenomenon. For more information, contact Erin Randell, MGM MIRAGE, erandell@mgmmirage.com.

Donny & Marie and Flamingo Sign Two-Year Deal: Flamingo Las Vegas has announced that brother-sister duo Donny & Marie will extend their contract as the resort’s headliners for two years, through October 2010. Presented by Danny Gans and Chip Lightman of GansLight Entertainment, Donny & Marie is an energetic, 90-minute variety show that incorporates singing, dancing, comedy and the stars’ signature brother-sister banter. For more information, contact Jamie Nielsen, Harrah’s Entertainment, at jnielsen@harrahs.com.

The Real Deal! Premieres at The Venetian: The Real Deal!, the first ever live, interactive poker-themed stage show, has arrived at The Venetian Showroom at The Venetian Resort-Hotel-Casino. Starring comedian roaster Vinnie Favorito as the host, the world’s greatest poker professionals and the entire audience, the show introduces a new paradigm in entertainment and establishes a completely original live show format that combines fast-paced action and humor with the latest in wireless technology and abundant prizes, including a chance to win $1 million. The Real Deal! occurs Tuesday through Sunday with shows at 5 p.m. and primetime performances on Tuesdays and Wednesdays at 8 p.m. Tickets range from $35 - $125. For more information, contact LeAnn Tinch, The Venetian, at leann.tinch@venetian.com.

SUSHISAMBA Strip Launches Signature SAMBAbrunch and SUSHI+SAKE 101:
SUSHISAMBA Strip is now serving its signature SAMBAbrunch every Sunday from 11:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. Located on the retail level of The Shoppes at The Palazzo, SUSHISAMBA now offers a family-style brunch menu complete with Continental and Brazilian, or Feijoada, breakfast selections for $22.95 per person. Additionally, the restaurant has announced an interactive, two-hour teaching and tasting event called SUSHI+SAKE 101. Beginning Nov. 5, participants will learn what it takes to become a master sushi chef while sipping sake alongside a five-course meal. The class introduces students to the art and history of this unique cuisine. For more information, contact Marina Nicola, Wagner Junker, at marina@wagnerjunker.com.

Bellagio Gallery of Fine Art Extends Popular Exhibition Through New Years:
Bellagio Gallery of Fine Art has announced the extension of its “American Modernism” exhibition. The compelling collection now can be viewed through Jan. 2, 2009. Organized by the Museum of Fine Arts, Boston (MFA), the exhibit features masterworks by Georgia O’Keeffe, Stuart Davis, Marsden Hartley, Arshile Gorky and others. For more information, contact Rebecca Ingram Frisch, MGM MIRAGE, ringram@mgmmirage.com.

Paris Las Vegas to Host 2nd Annual Beaujolais Nouveau Celebration: Following last year’s inaugural celebration, Paris Las Vegas has announced its 2nd Annual Beaujolais Nouveau Celebration set to kick-off at 12:01 a.m. on Nov. 20. Honoring the long tradition regulated by French law, Beaujolais Nouveau, a red wine made from Gamay grapes in the Beaujolais region of France, is released no sooner than the third Thursday of November when it is ready for consumption just six weeks after the harvest. Paris Las Vegas will host special events, tastings and unique Beaujolais Nouveau wine pairing menus at its restaurants. For more information, contact Tanesa Medlin, Mixed Media Entertainment, at tanesa@mmelv.com.

Virgin America Expands New York-Las Vegas Route: Virgin America, the California-based airline, announced it will add another daily non-stop flight between New York’s John F. Kennedy International (JFK) and Las Vegas McCarran International (LAS) airports. Effective Dec. 11, 2008, Virgin America will have two daily flights on this busy travel route. On Sept. 4, Virgin America launched the non-stop JFK-LAS route with a star-studded inaugural flight. For more information, contact Abby Lunardini, Virgin America, at abby.lunardini@virginamerica.com.

Catholics Humble in Las Vegas: Little known facts about the Catholic Church in Las Vegas --There are more churches in Las Vegas than casinos. During Sunday services at the offertory, some worshipers contribute casino chips as opposed to cash. Some are sharing their winnings - some are hoping to win. Since they get chips from so many different casinos, and they are worth money, the Catholic churches are required to send all the chips into the diocese for sorting. Once sorted into the respective casino chips, one junior priest takes the chips and makes the rounds to the casinos turning chips into cash. And he is known as .....................The Chip Monk! For more information put your tongue in your cheek and pass this one on to a friend.

A little blogging music Maestro… “Viva Las Vegas,” By Elvis.

Dr. Forgot

http://drforgot.com

Read me also at http://vegasnews.squarespace.com/dr-forgot-andrew-r-nixon/

Vegas Update

Vegas Happenings

Dibs on Ribs – Adam had ‘em: I tell you no fibs when I talk about ribs. UNLV Professor and restaurant guru Adam Carmer is a ribologist. He’s the owner of Adams Ribs at 4770 Maryland Parkway near the UNLV campus. Adam has come up with a libation to go with his ribs and he calls it the amazing Barbecue Margarita. In order to determine the likeability of his invention Adam has invited the Las Vegas Chief Executive Officer and libation connoisseur, Hizzhonor Mayor Oscar Goodman to be among the first to preview the provocative new cocktail. The event will be held Tuesday Junbe 10th beginning at 5 p.m. more info at BarbaraKenig@aol.com.

Steaks well done after the fire: Those pyromaniacs are at it again at Monte Carlo Resort & Casino. Only this time the only flame in the house is the grill. The Light Group has opened the Brand, which is one part classic steakhouse, one part lounge, and all parts good food and fun. The 5500 square foot dining and lounge area is one of the most spacious on the Strip. And offers all the traditional classic steakhouse items plus a 120 ounce (that’s 7 ½ pounds) beef porterhouse for six. Enjoy it with five of your closest friends. More info at aacuna@lightlv.com.

You’ve gotta be ribbin’ me: Those rib joints seem to have it all together. Famous Dave’s newest location opened at 4390 Blue Diamond Road joins his other spots to not only serve yummy ribs but supports the Muscular Dystrophy Association of Southern Nevada. Dave’s has sponsored a motorcycle “Ride for Dreams” with over 1,000 participants as well as several other fundraisers throughout the year. Famous Dave strives to be a good citizen to the community. More information about his three locations can be found at www.famousdaves.com.

Step aside High Tea: The Donald has taken a British tradition to a new level. High Champagne at DJT, the Trump International Hotel & Tower signature restaurant does a fantastic twist on daily happy hour. Trumps finest champagnes are matched with delicacies from the DJT menu. What kinds of things go better with champagne? Lots, including caviar and oysters on a half shell. More information at Katie.knoch@skgadv.com.

One good way to get high: Those zanies who like to hang out at the Rio All-Suite Hotel & Casino are back by popular demand. Masquerade Show in the Sky, features dancers in costumes on floats suspended from above the crowd. The show is a little naughty, but what happens at the Rio... And this show happens on the hour from 7 until midnight and is FREE! More info at lblanchette@lvrio.harrahs.com.

A little blogging music Maestro... Our favorite weekend song by the King, “Viva Las Vegas.”

Dr. Forgot

Las Vegas Happenings

What Happens in Vegas....

Torrid Ain’t Horrid: Hawaiian Tropic Zone’s bar and patio areas at Planet Hollywood Resort and Casino transforms into Torrid nightclub every Wednesday through Saturday night beginning at 10 p.m. Torrid features drink specials, DJ-spun music, go-go dancers and various celebrity hosts. There is no cover charge to attend Torrid and bottle service will be available by reservation. More information at: Brad Seidel, Kirvin Doak Communications, at bseidel@kirvindoak.com.

Love (Buggy) in Las Vegas: The famous Desert Love Buggy is currently on display at the Nevada State Museum. The Love Buggy is exhibited in the museum’s History Gallery on long-term loan from owner Tim Cashman. It is a 1911 Sears-Roebuck Model K business car. In 1939, the Las Vegas Chamber of Commerce bought several antique vehicles to run in that year’s Helldorado Pioneer Parade then offered them for sale to various individuals and organizations willing to restore them for the celebration. The Love Buggy has been restored to its original 1911 condition with funds provided by the Cashman family. This is the first time the Nevada State Museum, Las Vegas has exhibited the Love Buggy since it was restored to its original color scheme. For more info at: Teresa Moiola, State of Nevada: tjmoiola@clan.lib.nv.us.


Ho ho ho, hee, hee hee: A stellar lineup of contemporary comedy’s cutting-edge comedians will perform in the COMEDY AFTER HOURS Comedy Club at Fitzgeralds in downtown Las Vegas. Performances are scheduled for 9 p.m., Thursdays through Tuesdays, with additional performances at 11 p.m. on Fridays and Saturdays. Comics slated to appear through July include Marc Ryan (CMT, CBS and Star Search); Adam Hunter (finalist for this year’s NBC’s Last Comic Standing, recent appearances on Craig Kilborne, Showtime’s White Boyz from the Hood); Tim Young (last year’s finalist for NBC’s Last Comic Standing, recent appearances on Comedy Central’s Premium Blend, MTV); Will Marfori (one of the country’s top college acts, recently appeared on Craig Ferguson); Flip Schultz (Last Comic Standing, HBO, Que Loco, Star Search, Comedy Central’s Live at Gotham); Shaun Jones (BET’s Comics View); Tommy Johnagin (May 9th David Letterman show, Comedy Central’s Premium Blend, CMT); Rob Little (semi-finalist in this year’s Last Comic Standing, Comcast Comedy Spotlight); and Chad Daniels (Comedy Central Presents).Additional info at (702) 388-2400 or slindsey@fitzgeraldslasvegas.com.

No Restless Palms Here: The Palms Place is the hippest new condo/hotel high rise to open in Las Vegas. The newest tower, appropriately named Fantasy Tower, recently opened to the public. George Maloof has done a superb job marketing the Palms. He’s outfoxed and outmarketed the bigger corporate joints on the Strip. More info at www.palmsplace.com.


A little blogging music Maestro... Against All Odds by Phil Collins.

Dr. Forgot

Las Vegas Weekend

What Happens in Vegas

Weekend Update, Las Vegas: Passing the fire doesn’t mean you must get burned. Native Americans have a custom of “passing the embers” when they move from one place to another. “Famous Dave” Anderson will include his heritage’s custom when her opens his newest “Famous Dave’s Barbeque” Tuesday with a rib cutting ceremony for his newest Famous Dave’s Barbeque on Blue Diamond and 215. Dave started his famous BBQ in Wisconsin and has transferred the good luck embers to each new location. He will offer free tastes to the public and provide support to the Muscular Dystrophy Association. More info at: Erika@braintrustlv.com

Speaking of good food: Mrs. Dr. Forgot Forgot and I stumbled upon a new eating place recently. Makino is a Japanese restaurant that features what they claim to be the world’s best sushi- 60 different varieties. If you limit yourself to sushi, however, you’re missing the fishing boat. A phenomenal variety of salads are also available as well as hot dishes with a vast array of fish, all so fresh that you might have to slap it. The dessert selections range from yummy chocolate dipped large strawberries to individual servings of crème brule, tiramisu, green tea ice cream and others. It is served buffet style.

Speaking of green tea, their Makino green tea is the absolute best. It tastes so good it can’t be healthy. But it is. More info at: http://www.vegasbuzznews.com/ or http://www.makinogreentea.com/.

Napa Comes to the Ritz: Grgich Hills Estate winery in Napa Valley has a fascinating history. The Grgich is named for its founder, a Croatian immigrant whose Chardonay became the first award winning wine to best the French wines in France. The Hills refers not to the location but to the angel who helped Mr. Grgich found the winery - as in Hills Brothers Coffee. Daughter Violet Grgich brings some of their products to Lake Las Vegas for a winw tasting. But unlike your normal cheese and crackerwine tasting, this onw will include a full five-course meal with wine pairings for each course. Dinner will be served June 11 at 6 p.m. More info at 702.567.4600.

AAA knows best – or not: The American Automobile Association paints a grim picture of the Memorial Holiday according to local media outlets. AAA says high gas prices and chillier than usual weather will keep crowds down. The Las Vegas Convention and Visitors Authority (LVCVA) is expecting over 300,000. I’d bet on the LVCVA. They are the local experts and their projections are usually right on the money.

Getting to the Root of politics: Wayne Allen Root is the Unknown Candidate, but don’t tell him that. The admitted health nut consumes 85 vitamins, herbs, and supplements each day. His goal is to become the presidential candidate of the Libertarian party. Root can be accused of being a Donald Trump lookalike He’s a self-proclaimed oddsmaker and wannabe politician who will attend the Denver convention in hopes of becoming the third=party candidate. But his bid for the nomination will be more difficult than Hillary’s since ex=Republican Texan Bob Barr jumped into the race. Root has big dreams but clearly the odds do not favor this oddsmaker.

A little blogging music Maestro... Our usual weekend rendition of “Viva Las Vegas."

Dr. Forgot

Las Vegas Weekend

Weekends in Vegas

Good Old Days - Jacksons vs. Osmonds: Oh for a bit of history. The Jackson Five burst on the scene a few decades ago with little brother Michael who grew into one of the biggest pop stars in music history. The Osmonds had a TV show that featured Donny and Marie, then seemed to disappear. Fast forward to 2008. Michale Jackson has had his troubles and is reportedly hiding out in the Middle East, the rest of the family are, as we used to say, “doing their thing,” and the Osmonds are soon to be playing Vegas! Flamingo Las Vegas announced that Donny and Marie will present a 90 minute show on a custom designed stage. They will sing their greatest hits backed by multiple video screens and a troupe of dancers. This will be the first time in three decades that they’ve done an extended gig in Vegas. More info at dpettit@harrahs.com

Toity Poiple Boids, Sittin’ on a Coib: If you ever lived in New Joisey you’d understand that intro. If not, well you surely have enjoyed listening to Frankie Valli and the Four Seasons (think She-e-e-rie Baby). The unlikely road to stardom has been captured in the wildly popular “Jersey Boys.” The group wrote its own songs that sold over 175 million copies before any of them hit age 30. The musical is now playing at Palazzo. More info at ezbylut@kirvindoak.com.

Everybody Comes to Las Vegas: Travel Industry Association’s 40th Annual Powwow comes to the Valley of the Dollars next week. More than 1,000 travel originations from every corner of the country will meet at the Convention Center. 1,500 international and domestic buyers from more than 70 countries will discuss how to direct the $ 3.5 billion travel industry they control. Their days will be spent in the Convention Center but nights will include visits to local attractions, excursions, and dining with local media. More info at www.tia.org/powwow.

Dying is easy, comedy is hard: Las Vegas is the place to play if you are an entertainer. Over the years venues for comics trying to break in have dwindled. Workshops and comedy clubs are not as plentiful as they once were. Once a comic gets some traction, is still difficult to find venues outside hotel big rooms to try routines and polish material. The Fitzgerald downtown is addressing the issue. Next week Comedy After Hours will showcase some of the country’s top comedic talent. Three cheers for Fitzgerald’s for providing such a venue. It is worth the walk to the second floor – OK, take the elevator if you must. More info at 702.388.2400.

A little blogging music Maestro.... How about Elvis one more time with “Viva Las Vegas.”

Dr. Forgot

Las Vegas Happenings

Las Vegas Weekend

Las Vegas is the only town where the cabbies tell you where to go. So this weekend I’ll be the cabbie and let you know about some of the upcoming activities in the Valley of the Dollars.

Las Vegas Uncork’d: Next week Bon Appetit magazine meets Bellagio, Caesars Palace, Hard Rock Hotel, and Wynn Las Vegas hook up for a week of pure unadulterated (burp) Vegas fare. Co-chairs for the festivities include chef Wolfgang Puck and Bon Appetit Editor-in-Chief Barbara Fairchild. Highlights of the event will include A Tale of Five Chefs Gala, brunch and cocktail smack down, the Grand Tasting, and Masters vs. Pro-Am cooking competition. More info at www.bavegasuncorked.com

Burgers and other fine cuisine: LBS, and American classic burger joint will soon join the other fine restaurants at Red Rock Casino and Resort. A planned opening this fall will feature the finest, freshest ingredients and a 101 seat restaurant with more than 40 microbrews. Local restaurateur Billy Richardson will again perform his magic. We’ll be licking our chops for this one to open. More info at Michael@braintrustlv.com.

The Higher the Top the Longer the Drop: Everybody loves records as the Guinness Record Book people have discovered. Another entry will be attempted as Jean Philippe Patisserie in Bellagio has submitted measurements of their chocolate fountain as the World’s Tallest Chocolate Fountain. The floor-to-ceiling fountain is 27 feet tall and circulates two tons of chocolate at 120 quarts per minute. The fountain is real and outdoes the fictional Charlie and the Chocolate Factory. More info at mmckiski@mgmmirage.com

Hand Over Your Chocolate and Nobody Will Get Hurt: A good way to wile away your time while thinking of chocolate is to watch the Payard Chocolate Clock at Caesars Palace. The 13-foot high timepiece displays nine different time zones and dispenses free truffles. The clock mechanisms create the six-step process in making chocolates and truffles. More info at terlitzkyr@caesarspalace.com

Las Vegas; The Meadows: Las Vegas was named for a desert oasis. Today that oasis appropriately on the grounds of the Las Vegas Valley Water District called the Springs Preserve, a 180 acre cultural and historical attraction. The ambiance of the Springs Preserve is something that might just as easily be found in Idaho or Iowa or Kansas. Every Thursday night in the Springs Cafe on the property, concerts are available sponsored by restaurateur Wolfgang Puck and a special Farmers Market will show local produce, fruits and vegetables as well as arts and crafts. More info at rwolfson@kirvindoak.com

Quit Draggin’ your Dragon: Mandalay Bay includes a Shark Reef Aquarium but do not worry about getting eaten. It is a great display that will soon include a rare Komodo Dragon on display. The huge lizard, which can grow to 200 lbs. will be among the 2,000 other animals in the Reef and could be the meanest as it has no known predators. The Shark Reef is the only aquarium of its kind in North America. More info at zanellas@mgmmirage.com


A little blogging music Maestro... I can hear the strains of Elvis singing “Viva Las Vegas.”
Dr. Forgot

Friday's Follies

Laziness is the mother of all vices. Respect your mother.

Windfall or Perfect Storm: Ok, let’s see if I’ve got this straight. I have to switch from Rice-a-Roni to stale baloney because Sam clubbed those who bought too much rice. I have to cancel my dinner delivery because the cost of pizza has skyrocketed blowing it out of my budget and even if I could afford the pizza I’d be unable to go pick it up because gas process are so high it would cost more to drive there than the cost of the pizza. Farmers are still being paid not to grow crops but our corn supply has dwindled due to ethanol production. Meantime corn prices are also climbing, as are bread, milk, pouty, beef, fish and all other staple prices. I’ll have to cancel my summer vacation because I can’t afford the increased airline ticket prices. The Iraq war is costing us billions which we don’t have so we must borrow it from China and the housing market is still in the toilet. But our president announced today that we will be receiving our $ 600 tax rebate sooner than expected. Whoopee!

Dead heat for a deadbeat: Hillary Clinton and Barack Obama are reported to be in a dead heat in the Indiana Democratic primary. But the Clinton campaign is reportedly in trouble financially. The most recent filing with the Federal Election showed Hillary with $ 9 million in assets and $ 10 million in debt. The debt does not include another $ 5 million loan from her and Bill to the campaign. Not including the $ 5 million goes against standard reporting practice, as Mitt Romney listed his $ 42 million loan from himself to his campaign. But fuzzy math extends to Hillary’s counting of popular votes, making her unpopular with the Obamites. Some reports Some reports have the Clinton campaign in debt to fired spin master Mark Penn to the tune of another $ 10 million. I hope she can balance the U.S. budget better than her campaign budget.

Cal Berkeley Grad Student Twitters: Teens and ‘tweens know everything there is to know about technology. Problem with your computer? Ask your kid or grandkid. Want to program your phone to play “Smoke Gets In Your Eyes” when it rings? Ditto. Not sure of the difference between Face Book and your checkbook? The teen will show you that you don’t need a checkbook any longer if you bill pay online. So when Berkeley grad student J.K. Buck learned how to “twitter” on his cell phone, i.e. send short email messages. So when he got busted in Egypt he “twittered” a one-word message: “Arrested.” The message sailed from Egypt to Berlely and back and got him released. Ain’t that thweet?

Silver Anniversary becomes Golden at Nugget: For a quarter century Hawaiian Tropic sun screen has held a Miss Hawaiian Tropic International Model Search. Guess where it will be held this year? The downtown Golden Nugget hotel is where the silver anniversary will go Golden. Last year’s winner hailed from Estonia. The event will include a performance by the band Everclear. This is one campaign from which Demos, Repubs, and Indys can take a lesson.

A little blogging music Maestro... Anything by Everclear.

Dr. Forgot

Lost Wages in Las Vegas

Las Vegas Variety

A Day at the DMV: Today we are going to talk about life and visiting in Las Vegas. Today I had to go to the dreaded DMV to register a car. Normally I’m savvy enough to register online and avoid the crush. Nevada provides a pretty hip set of options of not only renewing your car’s registration but renewing your driver’s license. But today I had to go to the DMV. It is on my least liked things to do list, right below getting a shot and having a root canal. The lines are horrible, the customers are frustrated and often short tempered and often slobs. The employees are nearly always on the defensive after being shouted at, threatened, and even spat upon. So with trepidation I entered the DMV, dodging the petition signature requesters. The information line took about 15 minutes to negotiate and I was out in 30 minutes flat. A speed record.

A Fluke or a Sign: I could not help but notice the emptiness of the DMV. Could it have been because it was Thursday around noon? Could it have been because it was the middle of the month? A fluke perhaps? Or could the reason have to do with the economy? MGM Grand just laid off a gaggle of people, restaurants seem to be not as full, those who work for tips complain that that tips are getting smaller. The days of 5,000 – 6,000 new residents per month moving to the Valley of the Dollars may well be behind this fair city.

Shuffle Into a Deal: The slowdown may also have benefits. Every zig has its zag and every ping has its pong. I remember after 9/11 the economy slowed to a crawl and hotels offered fantastic deals. Mrs. Dr. Forgot and I stayed at the Ritz Carlton for a week including meals, free valet parking and an upgraded room for about $ 500.00. Things aren’t that bad but The Wall Street Journal reports that deals are abundant along the Strip. Gamblers are becoming more frugal, conventioneers are cutting their stays short, and leisure travelers are staying home. The result is room rates cut up to 25%. Now is the time.

You’ll Never Take Me Alive Copper: As the economy tightens people become more creative in ways to survive. Copper theft from homes under construction or abandoned foreclosures or even public sources such as light poles and school air conditioners have become rampant. The thefts have cost the city millions in repair plus the danger posed when streetlamps are out. During a recent theft of 30,000 feet of copper the thief stole a city truck to transport it. Mayor Oscar went to court as a victim advocate The crook got 18 months and a big fine. The Mayor also suggested that taggers who deface public property have their thumbs cut off. You’ve gotta’ love Mayor Oscar.

A little blogging music Maestro... One more time.... Elvis doing, “Viva Las Vegas!”

Dr. Forgot

Mmmm-mmmmm Good

A bicycle can’t stand alone because its two tired.

I missed you: Seems like a very long time since we’ve electronically interacted. Lots of national and international things are happening. The Olympic torch run is being protested. For some reason people seem to be pretty upset with China. You’d think they’re water-boarding their prisoners or locking them up without charging them or wiretapping their phones. We heard from a most reliable source that one unnamed country will skip the Olympics this year. Seems that everybody in that unnamed country who could run, jump, or swim is already in the U.S.

Psssst, buddy, could you buy a fella a drink: The water bubbles and flows outside the Bellagio but inside fine wine flows. And in order to have fine wine, you need one of those folks who know how to make the presentation and be able to tell the screw tops from the corked bottles. Bellagio has just added a fourth Master Sommelier to their uh, stable of cork poppers. In a city where we are used to seeing records set, Bellagio has done it again. No other property in the world has four Master Sommeliers on property. Congrats.

Fine wine (belch) good food: For two decades one of the highlight events for those “in the business” has been The Annual Epicurean Affair. That’s the gathering in which attendees get to sample the best food and drink to be had at more than 100 bars and restaurants around town. This year it will be held poolside at the Flamingo May 1. For more info visit www.nvrestaurants.com

I’m on a seafood diet. I see food and I eat it: If you are a longtime local you’ll remember some of the seafood buffets around town. Word about them would go through the community faster than a needle scare at a local clinic. Usually held on Fridays and Sundays, lines would always form for the good stuff. The Rio has decided to bring it back with the Village Seafood Buffet. Prawns, salmon, crab, lobster and the like are flown in from around the world – more than 200 tons of it each week. Oh yes, they pair drinks to the dinner. For more info ask Celine at chaas@harrahs.com

Prefer your food fast?: Just in case you’d like to not eat healthy at any of the above venues, or if you need to grab something on the run, how about a few facts on the calorie count of some fast foods. According to Fast Food News the Pizza Hut’s new Double Deep Meat Lover’s Pizza offers you 580 calories, 330 from fat, PER SLICE! Jack in the Box sells their new Sirloin Steak Melt with 640 calories, 360 from fat. Carl’s Jr’s Huevos Rancheros Breakfast Burrito weighs in at 660 calories and 34 grams of fat. But Quizno’s wins the prize with their Tuna Melt. The large has over 2,000 calories and 175 grams of fat, the regular has 1420 calories and 118 grams of fat, and the small has 770 calories and 60 grams of fat. Bon apetite.

A little blogging music Maestro… “Pour Some Sugar on Me” by Def Leppard.

Dr. Forgot

Viva Las Vegas

Politicians have amnesia for as long as they can remember.

Hillary ducks questions, not bullets: Ok, perhaps those paragons of media outlets CNN and FOX News have not shown the clip of Hillary taking flowers from the little Bosnian girl as often as they have shown the Wrong Reverend Wright, but it is now clear that the former First Lady’s recollection of the events surrounding her visit were, uh, not consistent with film of the event. The term, “I misspoke,” now has another definition – “Dang, you caught me.”

Las Vegas Whoopee: Remember Monte Carlo? No, not the one with Grace Kelly that was the setting of romantic movies in the 1950s but the one whose motto in January became, “You burn me up.” The façade burned. The only thing that was hurt was the pride of the workers who accidently started the fire. Turns out those workers were welders who neglected to get the proper permits for their job. The result was 6,000 guests displaced and $ 100,000,000 in damage and lost revenue to the hotel. But the fire chief took a line from the NBA and said, “No harm no foul.” Translated that means no charges will be filed against the miscreants. That makes it the world’s most expensive weenie roast.

Are local high school students “Dumb, da, da dumb?” It is often said of some of the more promiscuous dropouts, “They can’t add or subtract, but Lord, can they multiply!” Recent tests taken by nearly all local high school students seem to support the adage. 91% of Algebra I students, 87% of Algebra II students, and 88% of Geometry students who took the January exams flunked them. I guess they don’t know if pi r squared or pies are round.

Why Math is important: In a town that likes to keep the acne off its face, it is interesting to see local publicists embrace the new film “21.” The movie is based on the true story of an MIT math wizard who decided that if numbers are predictable, he should be able to win at the casino tables. And did they ever… well, I don’t want to spoil it for you. Perhaps the movie should be shown to those struggling students so demonstrate how good math skills can be helpful.

Could that thump you hear be the Real Estate bottom: Real estate markets across the country have been taking a beating. The news media loves to cite Las Vegas to be one of the worst hit. But to quote that famous Vegas philosopher, Francis Albert Sinatra of song, “The higher the top, the longer the drop.” Real estate prices went meteoric for a few years just like tech stocks had a decade earlier. As we pointed out I a previous post, had you bought a house for $ 200,000 in 2000, it would have appreciated to well over $ 400,000 before the market slide. That same house is now priced at well over $ 300,000. See the big picture?

A little blogging music Maestro… Johnny Cash, “Home of the Blues.”

Dr. Forgot

Monday, Monday

A Leading Authority Has Guessed Right Once

Bang, Bang... Whoops: From the “Post- 9/11 Genius Ideas” department comes the one from Usless Air – er, U.S. Airways. Seems that the panic driven rule that allows pilots to carry guns onboard planes, uh, backfired when a gun went off in the cockpit of a plane. The U.S. Airways flight was bound from Denver to Charlotte and had 124 passengers on board. Nobody was injured except for the pride of the pistol packing pilot. Officials say it was a full flight but full of what? We’ve not yet heard from the NRA but I’m sure the response will be something like, “Pilots don’t blow out windows in airplanes, guns do.”

Tums and Rolaids won’t fix this gas problem: Pain at the pump can be felt throughout the U.S. A few weeks ago I was in the San Diego suburb of La Jolla and the Union 76 station on the main drag posted full service premium gas at $ 4.99 per gallon. Was that a gouge or harbinger of things to come? Average gas prices this weekend topped $ 3.40 per gallon in some states. Tipsters tell us how to ease the pain: stay away from stations in ritzy hoods, avoid stations that are also repair shops or car washes, buy Wednesday morning and use wholesale club gas pumps. Oh, and how about driving less?

Sounds like, “I am not a crook”: Kwame Kilpatrick, that lover-boy mayor of Motown insists he will be exonerated. He and an aide were charged with perjury and obstruction of justice. Prosecutors say that sexually explicit text messages between the two may have been sugar sweet but lying about them in sworn testimony was perjury. Poor Kwame. All around him are people who spew hate and they do not get into trouble. But try a little loving and BAM! Your career is in jeopardy. Perhaps he can get an attorney referral or seek advice about how to handle the situation from Eliot Spitzer.

Sad day in Paradise: Few things are sadder than the loss of a loved one. Over the weekend the Paradise Animal Hospital in Las Vegas burned. The fire was so intense that rescuers were unable to save a single pet during the midnight inferno. One can only imagine the grief of pet owners whose pets were recovering from illnesses or being boarded during the holiday weekend. Everything was destroyed but if the owners are able to reconstruct their client list they should send each owner a letter of sympathy and include perhaps a gift certificate from the animal shelter and a gift card for future services.

Rrrrr-eeee-bbbb-eelllsss: The chant of the UNLV athletic teams was born during the Harvey Hyde football days. It has since been adopted by nearly every other UNLV sport and was heart during the March Madness tournament. Hats off to a ragtag group that the national media continually referred to as “Two walk-ons and a former air conditioner repairman.” Hats off to Coach Lon Kruger as well for bringing out the teams character rather than having to clean up after a bunch of characters.

A little blogging music Maestro… From the Rebel fight song, “U-N-L-V, UNLV Go Fight Win.”

Dr. Forgot

The Law Won

Every Snowflake in an Avalanche Pleads Not Guilty

Who, Me? Uh, uh. Well, Maybe. Ok, I did it: We’ve all heard the old saw that nobody in prison is innocent. Sometimes it proves to be true. DNA analysis and student lawyers often research old cases to determine if “the lady doth protest too much” or if the criminal is guilty. We hear about the few that are overturned but rarely about the guilty.

Is justice delayed really justice denied?: We often hear of somebody who committed a crime but somehow escaped the long arm of the law for years or even decades then is captured. Sara Jane Olsen became caught up in the SLA – a radical group from the 1970s. But she apparently discovered the error of her ways, changed her name, and lived a model life for 24 years before being caught and sentenced. A man from Las Vegas was convicted for a crime and walked away and lived life on the lam as an ideal husband and father for decades before being found out. If the purpose of prison is to rehabilitate and somebody is becomes a model citizen outside the prison gates, who wins?

Peek-a-boo, I see you: An old joke tells about professional skier Picabo (pronounced “Peek-a-boo”) Street donating a hospital wing that was named in her honor – Peek-a-boo ICU. But real peekers have sneaked into the personal files of presidential candidates. Passportgate broke this morning when it was revealed that several workers had spied into passport files of Barack Obama as many as three times. Another, proving he was a fair if unbalanced peeping Tom also scanned the files of Senator McCain. Hillary Clinton’s files were compromised. It reminds me of the Richard Nixon line when he said he knew he would be under a microscope while serving but did not expect to be examined by a proctoscope.

Smoke ‘em or smash ‘em: Las Vegas is said to have some of the most bizarre drivers anywhere. One reason might be due to the fact that everybody drives by the rules back home. But today the pipe dream of a trucker became a pipe nightmare for commuters. Seems that a semi hauling pipes was minding its own business in I-15 when some hibilly ran into it causing the truck to depipe. Result? 14 vehicles involved in six crashes. That’s some piping!

Quick! Think of Las Vegas: What is first thing that comes to mind? Lights. All those lights. One can read a newspaper at midnight. But somebody blew a fuse, or more accurately a transformer, that thrust four major hotels into electric limbo. Elevators stopped, lights went out, and most importantly, slot machines stopped spinning. Well, maybe not the slots. But at 8:00 p.m. or so until 9:30 we were reminded that we really are a desert community dependent on electricity.

A little blogging music Maestro: Anything by the Electric Light Orchestra.

Dr. Forgot

Artificial Intelligence vs. Natural Stupidity

A Weekend Wasted isn’t a Wasted Weekend

Wrath of Basketball Gods: March Madness is a phrase that probably very few jocks or basketball fans know is borrowed from the Bard. That’s Shakespeare’s Hamlet for those of you who were absent that day. Not to be confused with his Julius Caesar who was told to “Beware of the Ides of March.” That refers to March 15, 44 B.C. the date Caesar was murdered. So today is the 2,052nd anniversary of his death. But for fans today is the last day for amateur bracketologists to try to figure out which teams will go to the NCAA Big Dance (college basketball playoffs) and which will stay home. Perhaps the basketball gods were making their preferences known when they huffed and puffed and almost blew down the Atlanta arena that was hosting playoffs.

With friends like this: Now that Albany Whoregate seems to have fizzled out media pundits are searching for new muck to rake. There is probably no truth to the rumor that former VP candidate Geraldine Ferraro who dissed and denied will be the new host of the Imus show. She’s old news too. But Fox News might have caught one that will last more than 72 hours. The Barackster’s minister has made controversial statements. If that is a criterion for being lambasted I’m hoping the media never finds out who my friends are.

Space jockeys work well with Son of HAL: Remember HAL in 2001 Space Odyssey? He was the computer in the space ship who was the lone astronaut’s best friend until they had sort of a lover’s spat. Then HAL proved he had a mind of his own, which led to the end of the mission. Today the space station’s new robot, Dextre, is powered up and operating smoothly. Dextre has its own bed, called a pallet, and now has power. To date everything is working well and no Klingons have been spotted.

Space station – Vegas connection: Speaking of space stations one must include Star Wars in the mix. Star Wars producer George Lucas flew into the Valley of the Dollars for the annual theater owners convention, Showest. He teased the group with clips from the latest Star Wars movie, The Clone Wars, premiering the ides of August. It will be a TV series as well so future astronauts can learn the finer points of surviving when clones go wild. The movie will refresh Obie-wan in the theaters during the time Obie-two is making a run for the presidential nomination. Who says life doesn’t imitate art?

A little blogging music Maestro... a bit of Strauss, “Also Sprach Zarathustra,” also known as the theme from “2001: A Space Odyssey.”

Dr. Forgot

Friday's Follies

Las Vegas Silliness

More churches than casinos: Everybody has heard the old saw that there are more churches than casinos in the Valley of the Dollars. If true, it might be that so many people are either praying for a winner or praying for forgiveness. But there is one church just off the Strip that lets people know that all donations are welcome, even gambling chips. The church receives such a large percentage of chips that it sends the offerings to a nearby monastery to have the money separated from the chips. The chips are then separated by denomination and casino and turned in for cash. And who does all this work at the monastery? A particular sect of holy men – the Chipmonks!

Blonds in Vegas: A blond was seen at a soda machine. She already had about a dozen sodas but continued to put dollar after dollar in the machine. When a security guard asked what she was doing she replied, “Duh… winning!” Then there was the blond who called her parents after being in Las Vegas for two weeks to proudly announce that she had finally learned how to spell “MGM backwards.

Las Vegas mob boss: As the story goes a mob boss hired a deaf accountant. That way if the mobster was ever arrested and the accountant was hauled before the grand jury, he would be unable to tell about the skimming and other nasty tales. However the accountant embezzled a million dollars from the mob boss before the boss discovered it. The boss brought in somebody from the sign language institute and sat the deaf accountant down, placed a gun to his head and said to the translator, “Tell him to tell me where he hid the money or I’ll blow his #%^&$ing brains out.”

The translator signed the message and the frightened accountant signed back that the money was under a tree next to a rock in the desert. The translator looked at the mob boss and said, “He says you’ll never find it and you don’t have the balls to pull the trigger.”

World’s smartest Vegas dog: A gambler from Iowa comes to Vegas every six months and only plays blackjack. One day he goes to his usual poker table and is shocked to see a dog sitting in his usual chair. The gambler watches a few hands as the dog scratching his paw for a hit and tapping the table to stand. After a few hands the gambler says, “That is the smartest dog I’ve ever seen!” The dealer yawns and says, “He’s not that smart. Every time he gets a good hand his tail wags.

A little blogging music Maestro... What else but Elvis doing, “Viva Las Vegas.”

Dr. Forgot

Fun With Spitz and Kris

Stupidity Left Untreated, is Self Correcting

What was the Guv thinking?: It might be three months past Christmas but the words “Ho-ho-ho must be ringing in his ears. Client #9. Too bad he didn’t get caught in traffic. Then he would have been “Client #8 and perhaps missed all this. A comment on yesterday’s post pondered, “Where was the official Guv Security Detail while all this was, uhm, “going down?” This puts a whole new meaning to red lights on the Secret Service cars. Let’s see, did 2-timing Client 9 go Code 3 down I-87 to arrive at Room 813 on 2/13 by 10 p.m.? Was Kristen 2 good 2 be 4 gotten? Will he be the ex-Guv by 3/17? 10-4.

Flee to escape political persecution: This pilgrim boarded the Mayflower in hopes of escaping political persecution but will likely be facing legal prosecution. There might not have been anybody to deflower at the Mayflower, but when the voyage was complete the charge for the Mayflower compact was $ 4,300. That is more than a week’s salary for the Guv but an hour or so work for an unelected official. But the Guv overpaid by $ 500 according to reports. Was the extra five “C’s” a tip, a down payment for a future voyage, or did the trollup ask if he could loan her five hundred until she got back on her back? Such mysteries we may never know.

Las Vegas gossip: For the young hip crowd who know the difference between MTV and the MGM, we’ve discovered that “The Hills” star Audrina Partridge will head from the hills to the Valley of the Dollars to dance onstage as one of the Pussycat Dolls. Doesn’t ring a bell? Think Paris Hilton, Carmen Electra, and Gwen Stefani, other stars who’ve bumped and ground their way onto the PURE stage at the Luxor. No dead mummies in that pyramid, only scantily clad hardbodies and maybe an IRS agent or two.

If you got the money, honey, Vegas has the time: Ok boys and girls, today’s lesson will be on gambling. Why do we go to Las Vegas? Right, to gamble. To Atlantic City? Right again, to gamble. And is there a chance you might lose your money when you test the fates with the gods of dice, cards, and sports books? Yes. That is why it is called… GAMBLING! Ok, one bonus question: what do lawyers do? That’s right. They SUE.

Since you got 100% class, we’ll tell you about Arelia Travis, an accomplished attorney who earned well into six figures annually. She gambled in Las Vegas and Atlantic City and, wonder of wonders, she lost! Whose fault would that be? Right! The casinos. The disbarred lawyer is now suing seven casinos for $ 20 mil because they ENABLED her. Hello! Counselor! That is what casinos do. They are not there for the 49 cent shrimp cocktail. Here’s a tip, counselor: you’ve got to know when to hold, know when to fold ‘em, know when to walk away and know when to run…”


A little blogging music Maestro... What else but Kenny Rogers, “The Gambler.”

Dr. Forgot

Running From Office

A Fool and His Money Are Parted at the Mayflower

The Guv who was: Client 9. How long until that becomes the trade name of an expensive perfume, or a line of Victoria’s Secret negligee, or even a code work in the escort business for a high roller? After watching the wife of the N.Y. Guv at the press conference today, I’m sure she deserves plenty of retail therapy. Perhaps he can get the Kobe Bryant playbook. Perhaps the Guv can buy the bauble from Kobe’s wife. Somehow, watching him say he is sorry just doesn’t seem like enough punishment. Poor wifey looked like she was hungover – the wrath of grapes.

More Political Brickbats: Ok, let’s see if we are able to make heads or tails of this political game. One of Barrack’s minions called Hillary a monster and resigned under pressure as a result. One of Hillary’s minions struck back with a nya-na-na-na-na stating that the only reason Barrack is running is because he is black. Huh? If that were the case President Jesse Jackson would have had his Rainbow Coalition Cabined in place several elections ago. BTW, the statement maker was none other than the first female VP candidate. Oh yes, Hillary’s reaction was a severe mild slap on the wrist. Can’t we all just get along?

Another Politician in Trouble: These are difficult times for politicians. Yet another scandal has rocked the foundation of the political system in New Haven, Connecticut. That bucolic community that boasts Yalies and other Elis has seen one of its icons tumble from grace. Michael Sheridan was discovered to have committed a crime and was stripped of his political office. He was barred from attending activities surrounding his office and was banished from the city-owned property where he had served. Michael, formerly class vice president, had committed the grievous error of purchasing a bag of Skittles from a classmate. A school official stated that candy sales had been banned in the school district since 2003. Is there no end to the transgressions of rogue politicians?

Leaving Las Vegas: Visitor volume has declined in Las Vegas over the past year a whopping 0.6%. That is less than one percent. Such a downward trend must be stopped and reversed! Fortunately the brain trust of those who take care of such nagging problems plan to spend $ 12 million to tease the gamblers back to the Valley of the Dollars. If you snooze, you lose.

The Gift that Keeps on Giving: Clinics, doctors and nurses continue to come under scrutiny as officials investigate unsafe practices. Hepatitis and other diseases could have been transferred. Those implicated and shown to have been a party to the fiasco need to update their resumes: References – “None. I’ve left a path of destruction behind me.”

A little blogging music Maestro... “Do You Really Want to Hurt Me?” by Boy George.

Dr. Forgot

Absence Makes the Heart Grow Fonder

WHAT A WACKY WEEK!

Why lovers never say “Goodbye” My goodness. A fellow can’t even leave his hometown for a week without the entire Valley of the Dollars going to Hell in a hand basket. We got out of town for a few days to visit the land of fruits and nuts on the left coast. Since a little 6.0 earthquake hit the state of Nevada a week earlier we wanted to see the coast before the Big One puts Las Vegas landowners in possession of beachfront property. While our back was turned things went even more nutty than usual.

Hospitals and clinics: The CEO of the only local public hospital in Las Vegas was indicted on felony theft and official misconduct charges. The CEO was charged with giving no-bid contracts to cronies in Chicago. No bid contracts??? Who does he think he is, Halliburton? The CEO’s alleged comments included one to the deputy DA that he was “…not interested in abiding by the law,” and to his boss that she “did not have the authority to fire him.” Give the man an A for Arrogance.

GIGO: Garbage in, garbage out: Seems like a local health clinic decided to cut costs by reusing syringes. Single use vials were used over and over, exposing patients to potential risks of hepatitis B, C, and the AIDS virus. Up to 40,000 patients were considered to be at risk. In this writer’s mind, the doctors who called for reuse of the vials to distribute anesthetic prior to colonoscopies should be given the procedure – without anesthesia.

Ricin Krispies for breakfast? You remember ricin. The white powder that caused such a stir around Capitol Hill when it showed up in the mailroom. Well, the same stuff showed up at a local motel whilst we were gone. Seems like some loser from Utah was doing something other than a school science project in his rented room. Nobody is sure exactly what happened or how but the guy is on his deathbed in a hospital, his cousin’s house in Utah is being combed by HAZMAT, and the perennial reporter’s questions, “Who, what, when, where, and why” are being asked.

Pussycats fly from LAX to Pure sans taxes: Pussycat Dolls Lounge in Vegas is a hangout for the young hip crowd. Ditto LAX which is neither short for laxative nor and airport lounge. Both joints are swanky and located in major Strip hotels. The management group that operates the two has a third club called Pure. It is that club that drew another three-letter acronym – IRS. No, not the name of another hip club but the guys that Governor Huckabee wants to abolish. Vegas has always operated by crossing one’s palm for a favor. The IRS wants a piece of the palm crossing.

Trouble in Paradise: Another story that broke while we lay soaking up the rays on a California beach was about the Guv himself. This is the same guy who was accused of making a pass at a gal during his election campaign. No known connection but sources close to the mansion say that the first lady might fly the gilded coop. And that was the week that was.
A little blogging music Maestro… “If You Go Away,” by Karen Carpenter.

Dr. Forgot